YouTube Thumbnail Portfolio: How To Make Yours (2024)

Article last updated on:
June 03, 2024
  • You’re a thumbnail designer
  • Who needs to set up a portfolio
  • But you don’t know where to begin

We’ll show you the way — it’s really no that hard!

How To Make Your Thumbnail Portfolio

1. Choose your Best Work

YouTube thumbnails with weird faces
  • Variety is key: Showcase thumbnails from different niches (gaming, beauty, travel) to demonstrate your versatility.
  • Focus on quality: Include only your best work that exemplifies design principles and click-worthy elements.
  • Client favorites: If you’ve worked with clients, prioritize thumbnails that received positive feedback or boosted their channel’s performance.

2. Join a Portfolio Platform

Dribbble.com - Website Homepage
  • Dedicated Portfolio Website: Build a website specifically showcasing your thumbnails. This offers maximum control over design and allows in-depth descriptions.
  • Online Portfolio Platforms: Utilize platforms like Behance or Dribbble to reach a wider audience of potential clients and design enthusiasts.
  • Social Media: Share your thumbnails on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Use relevant hashtags to improve discoverability.

3. Create a nice Portfolio

Shots on Dribbble
  • First Impressions Matter: Design a clean and user-friendly layout for your portfolio. Easy navigation is crucial.
  • Thumbnail Organization: Categorize thumbnails by niche, project type, or even client (with permission).
  • High-Resolution Images: Ensure thumbnails are displayed in high-resolution for maximum impact.

4. Highlight your Thumbnails’ Impact

  • Context is King: Briefly describe the video’s concept and how your thumbnail design aimed to attract viewers.
  • Metrics Matter (if applicable): Showcase any positive results (increased click-through rates) achieved with your thumbnail designs.
  • Client Testimonials (with permission): Include positive quotes from satisfied clients about your thumbnail design skills.
Highlighting where to add a description to a shot on Dribbble

Conclusion

Your portfolio is an ongoing project — keep it updated with fresh work and adapt it to showcase your evolving design style.

With a captivating YouTube thumbnail portfolio, you’ll be well on your way to attracting new clients and making a name for yourself in the YouTube design world.


Thank you for reading this,
Thumbnail Test

About the author

David is the head of the editing team at ThumbnailTest. With his help, the editorial team is able to provide you with the best free guides related to YouTube thumbnails and A/B testing.